Having a parent or other family member in prison can impact on a child’s sense of identity and how they interact with their family and community. Equally importantly, it can impact on their lives in school and in wider society. Schooling, in particular, is the most universal service provision for children, however many organisations come into contact with children affected by having a family member in prison. It is therefore crucial that schools and other key agencies are supported to recognise and address those children’s needs.
Our intention with this handbook is to produce a readily accessible resource that can help schools in Northern Ireland support children affected by parental imprisonment. While primarily aimed at schools, it is anticipated the handbook may also be useful for other agencies, particularly justice, health and social care professionals.